Columella lengthening surgery, as a plastic surgery to improve the aesthetics of the nose, is usually used to correct problems such as a short columella, an upturned nose tip or an asymmetrical nose. By lengthening the columella, the overall aesthetics of the nose can be effectively improved, making the shape of the nose more harmonious and natural. Columella lengthening surgery usually needs to be performed by an experienced plastic surgeon, and the surgical process needs to be meticulous and precise to ensure the stability and durability of the postoperative effect. This article will introduce in detail the main steps of columella lengthening surgery, postoperative care and related precautions.
1. Indications for columella lengthening surgery
Columella lengthening surgery is suitable for the following situations:
The columella is too short : that is, the length of the columella is insufficient, causing the nose tip to be upturned, affecting the overall facial aesthetics.
Unnatural nose tip : The nose tip appears too abrupt or asymmetrical, which usually needs to be adjusted by lengthening the columella.
The nose lacks three-dimensional sense : For some patients with short or low columella, the nose lacks three-dimensional sense and refinement as a whole. Lengthening the columella can improve the beauty of the nose lines.
Before the operation, the doctor will design a suitable surgical plan based on the patient's specific situation and needs to ensure that the final effect meets the patient's expectations.
2. Main steps of columella lengthening surgery
Preoperative evaluation and planning
Before the operation, the doctor will conduct a detailed facial assessment, including the proportions of the facial features, the shape of the nose, and the patient's skin condition. Through these assessments, the doctor can determine whether the columella is too short and whether it is suitable for lengthening surgery. The doctor can also communicate with the patient about the expected results. The doctor will also discuss postoperative care and recovery process with the patient to ensure that the patient has a full understanding of the surgical procedure.
Anesthesia and preoperative preparation
Before the operation, the patient will receive local anesthesia or general anesthesia. Local anesthesia means that only the nasal area is anesthetized, while general anesthesia is used in more complex operations. After anesthesia, the doctor will perform preoperative preparation, clean the nose and surrounding skin, and ensure the sterility of the surgical area.
Incision design and surgical implementation
The key step of the operation is the incision design. The incision for columella lengthening surgery is usually located at the lower part of the columella or inside the nostril. The purpose is to complete the operation without affecting the appearance. According to the patient's needs, the doctor can choose the appropriate location for incision. There are usually two main incision methods:
Incision at the lower edge of the columella : This method is to make a small incision at the lower edge of the columella and implant cartilage or other extension materials to increase the length of the columella. This method can effectively lengthen the columella, and the incision is small and not easy to see.
Endonasal incision : This method makes the incision through the inside of the nostril. It is usually not noticeable and the scar is almost invisible after surgery. This method is usually suitable for patients who need a larger range of adjustments.
During the operation, the doctor will perform delicate operations and select appropriate lengthening materials, such as cartilage, artificial materials or autologous tissue, to ensure that the effect of columella lengthening is in harmony with the overall nose.
Columella extension and fixation
At the incision, the doctor will use cartilage or suitable extension materials to increase the length of the columella. If autologous cartilage is used, it is usually taken from the ear or ribs. The cartilage tissue is implanted into the columella area and fixed by sutures to ensure its stable position. For some special cases, the doctor may use artificial materials such as expanded polytetrafluoroethylene or silicone, which have good plasticity and biocompatibility.
Suture and recovery
After the operation, the doctor will perform fine sutures according to the size of the incision to ensure that the scar is minimized. In most cases, there will be a recovery period after suturing, and postoperative care is required to avoid infection or other complications.
3. Recovery period of columella lengthening surgery
The recovery period for columella lengthening surgery is generally 1 to 3 months. After the operation, the patient may experience slight swelling, bruising and pain, which usually subsides within a few days. In order to ensure a smooth recovery, the patient needs to follow the following postoperative care recommendations:
Keep the wound clean : Pay special attention to keeping the wound clean and avoid infection in the few days after surgery. Patients need to change the dressing regularly as instructed by the doctor and avoid touching the incision site.
Avoid strenuous exercise : Within 1 to 2 weeks after surgery, patients should avoid strenuous exercise or activities to avoid affecting the effectiveness of the surgery.
Regular follow-up visits : You need to go to the hospital for follow-up visits on time after surgery. The doctor will check your recovery, assess whether there are any complications, and provide necessary adjustments.
4. Risks and complications of columella lengthening surgery
Although columella lengthening surgery is a relatively common plastic surgery and is generally safe, any surgery has its own risks. Common complications include:
Infection : The wound after surgery may become infected, causing swelling, redness or discharge. If you notice redness, swelling, fever or other symptoms at the wound site, you should seek medical attention immediately.
Scar formation : Some patients may experience postoperative scar hyperplasia or hardening, especially those with sensitive skin. Following the doctor's instructions for postoperative care can effectively prevent such problems.
Displacement or asymmetry : If the implanted cartilage or filling material is not stably fixed during surgery, displacement or asymmetry may occur and need to be corrected through subsequent revision.
Allergic reaction : When using artificial materials, some patients may have allergic reactions to certain fillers, resulting in local redness, swelling, pain and other discomfort symptoms.
5. Postoperative Care and Precautions
After columella lengthening surgery, patients need to pay attention to the following care to ensure a smooth recovery process:
Keep clean and disinfected : Clean the wound regularly after surgery and use disinfectant as directed by the doctor to avoid infection.
Avoid squeezing the nose : Avoid touching the nose in the early period after surgery and avoid squeezing the nose with external force to avoid affecting the surgical effect.
Diet adjustment : After surgery, the diet should be light and irritating foods such as chili peppers and alcohol should be avoided.
Reasonable rest : Rest after surgery is essential for recovery. Patients should avoid staying up late and overwork, and get enough sleep.
Beauty Encyclopedia Tips:
Columella lengthening surgery can effectively improve the shape of the nose and enhance the beauty of the face, but after the operation, you need to follow the doctor's instructions for care to ensure a smooth recovery. Before choosing surgery, patients should fully communicate with the plastic surgeon to understand the risks, recovery period and expected results of the surgery in order to make an informed decision.